Horseshoe set carrying system and method with backboard

ABSTRACT

A horseshoe set carrying system and method with backboard. A substantially rectangular board is provided. One or more channels on the front surface of the substantially planar board receive and store articles for playing the horseshoes game. Such articles stored might include horseshoes, target stakes and backboard stakes. One or more stake holes through the substantially planar panel receive backboard stakes such that the substantially planar panel is operable as a backboard.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present invention is a non-provisional of and claims priority from provisional application No. 61/482,210, entitled HORSESHOE SET SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH BACKBOARD, filed May 4, 2011, the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sporting goods and methods and more specifically to sporting goods and methods for carrying and transporting sporting articles such as a horseshoe set, for example.

The typical length of a horseshoes court from one end to the other is about 46 feet (116.84 cm). A target stake is located within a clay or sand-filled pit at each end of the horseshoes court so that the approximate distance from target stake to target stake is about 40 feet.

The horseshoes game is played by two users, standing at either end, the object of which is to pitch a horseshoe from one end to the oppositely located target stake approximately 40 feet away. During the game, each user has two horseshoes and pitches each horseshoe to encircle the target stake located at the other end.

Each horseshoe is typically made of steel or wrought iron and can weigh as much as three pounds. Given the distance between the pitching platform on one end and the target stake on the other end, an errant horseshoe might bound off the horseshoes court possibly causing injury to the other player or a spectator.

It is for this reason that the NHPA (National Horseshoe Pitchers Association) recommends that a backboard be located behind each target stake. In this manner, the risk of injury from an errant horseshoe bounding off of the horseshoes court to cause injury is minimized. Furthermore, the backboard also helps players see the target stake better when tossing the horseshoes at the target stake by creating a better point of focus for the players.

Thus, to play the horseshoes game, in addition to two to four horseshoes and one to two target stakes, the user also carries the recommended backboard (either one or both). The user carries all of these articles for playing the horseshoes game to a suitable location for playing the horseshoes game where the necessary articles are setup for the game. Upon conclusion of the horseshoes game, the user then collects and carries all of the articles used for the horseshoes game back to a storage location.

It is within the aforementioned context that a need for the present invention has arisen in order to resolve one or more disadvantages of conventional systems and methods associated with a game of horseshoes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of a method and system for carrying articles for a horseshoes game can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In a first embodiment, the system includes a substantially rectangular board preferably made of polyethylene, wood, composite materials or other materials consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention. Although reference is made to a single rectangular board, an embodiment of the present invention may employ two rectangular boards (or panels) consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

When in an upright position (e.g. with its plane along a vertical axis and placed lengthwise on a horseshoe court), the substantially rectangular board can be utilized as a backboard for playing a horseshoes game. Such a backboard would prevent an errant horseshoe from bounding off a horseshoes court and help players see the target stake better.

One or more channels may be grooved or molded into the front surface of the substantially planar board to receive and store articles for playing the horseshoes game. Specifically, the articles stored might include one or more horseshoes, one or more pitching stakes, one or more tools and one or more stakes for securing the backboard. The system might also include a grasping means for using the substantially rectangular board to transport the articles stored therein to and from the horseshoes game.

In this manner, rather than hauling articles for playing the horseshoes game back and forth separately or together by some sort of carrying means, the present invention provides an integrated method for storing and transporting the horseshoes game articles. Not only is the present invention utilized as a case for carrying and transporting the horseshoes game articles, the rectangular board also doubles as a backboard unlike any conventional system or method available to date.

In an alternate embodiment, the present invention discloses a method of carrying articles for a horseshoes game. The method adapts a substantially rectangular board for use as a backboard. The method then includes forming at least one channel on the face of the substantially rectangular board. The at least one channel is then used to receive and store articles for playing the horseshoes game. Thereafter, the substantially rectangular board can be employed to transport the articles stored therein to and from the horseshoes game.

Note that the substantially rectangular board might be adapted for the horseshoes game by forming one or more stake holes through the substantially rectangular board. The one or more stake holes can then receive backboard stakes to secure the substantially rectangular board onto a horseshoes court for use as a backboard. Other methods may be also used for securing the substantially rectangular board onto the horseshoe court.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a horseshoe set system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of the substantially planar panel of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the substantially planar panel along line X of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the substantially planar panel 104 along line Y of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the substantially planar panel utilized as a backboard according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a horseshoe set system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method associated with articles for playing a horseshoes game according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the substantially planar panel of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates horseshoe set system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, among other components, horseshoe set system 100 comprises a substantially rectangular and planar panel 104 having a plurality of channels (or grooves) 108 formed thereon. Although not shown, substantially planar panel 104 may be other shapes (e.g. trapezoidal) or configurations consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Preferably, substantially planar panel 104 is rigid polyethylene or polyurethane, wood, although other materials such as metal and other comparable materials can be used. In this manner, user 102 can employ substantially planar panel 104 as a backboard for a game of horseshoes to prevent an errant horseshoe from bounding off a horseshoes court.

Preferably, substantially planar panel 104 is 14 inches (35.56 cm) high and 36 inches (91.44 cm) wide with a thickness of 1-4 inches (2.54-6.54 cm). Note that the stated dimensions are the recommended dimensions from the NHPA and exemplary and other desirable dimensions may be used.

As shown, horseshoe set system 100 further comprises handle 106 as well as channels 108 as previously noted. Handle 106 is a grasping means for using substantially planar panel 104 to transport the articles stored therein to and from a horseshoes game. Handle 106 can be formed within substantially planar panel 104 shown or might alternatively be attached to or coupled to substantially planar panel 104.

As an example, handle 106 might be a leather strap coupled to substantially planar panel 104. In fact, multiple leather straps spaced apart may be coupled to substantially planar panel 104 as desirable.

Each channel 108 receives and stores articles for playing the horseshoes game. Specifically, channel 108A and channel 108B are horseshoe shaped to receive and store horseshoes 110 and 112, respectively; channel 108C is substantially straight or linear to store target stake 114; channels 108D and 108E are also substantially straight or linear and are adapted to receive and store backboard stakes 116 and 118, respectively.

Thus, each particular channel 108 has a shape of the article it is intended to store. For example, channel 108A is U-shaped to receive U-shaped horseshoe 110. Each channel 108 also has a surface area that is below the surface plane of substantially planar panel 104.

The depth to which each channel 108 is below the surface plane of substantially planar panel 104 can be varied depending on user preferences. Preferably, however, the depth of the receiving surface of each channel 108 is such that when all the articles are stored, the outer surfaces of all stored articles are flush with the surface plane of substantially planar panel 104.

The width and length of each channel also depends upon the article that is to be stored. For example, if the length of target stake 114 that is stored in channel 108C is 24 inches, then the length of channel 108C is about 24 inches.

As shown, target stake 114 is stored in channel 108C; backboard stake 116 is stored in 108D; backboard stake 114 is stored in channel 108E; horseshoe 110 is stored in channel 108A and horseshoe 112 is stored in channel 108B. As shown, the target stakes and backboard stakes are stored between each horseshoe 110 and horseshoe 112.

One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that horseshoe 112 and channel 108B can be adjacent to horseshoe 110 and channel 108A without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Substantially planar panel 104 also may comprise a notch 120 that allows user 102 to easily remove each of the horseshoes.

Each channel 108 is formed by utilizing a chisel, gouge or lathe to remove the panel material to form the grooves or channels in substantially planar panel 104 as necessary for the storage area. Alternatively, the channels or grooves can be formed by transfer molding or other comparable methods.

Horseshoe set system 100 also may comprise a plurality of clips 132A, 132B and 132C. Clip 132A is rotatable around an axis so as to rotate over target stake 114, backboard stake 116 and backboard stake 118 to clip and hold said stakes in their storage position. Clip 132B is rotatable to hold from a first position to a second position to hold horseshoe 110 in place where clip 132C is rotatable from an initial position to a final position that can keep horseshoe 112 in place.

In FIG. 1, substantially planar panel 104 may further comprise stake hole 122 and stake hole 124 further described with reference to FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of substantially planar panel 104 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2A, substantially planar panel 104 comprises a bore or stake hole 122 and stake hole 124 as illustrated. Each stake hole 122 and stake hole 124 receives a backboard stake to secure substantially planar panel 104 onto a horseshoes court when the panel is employed as a backboard.

Each stake hole 124 can be formed by methods consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, machine drilling might be employed to form a bore through the width of the panel.

As shown, stake hole 122 is located on one end of substantially planar panel 104 while stake hole 124 is located at the other end. The location of each stake hole depends upon individual preference although the stake holes are so located to substantially secure the backboards (i.e., substantially planar panels) onto a horseshoes court such that the backboard is stable and can sustain and deflect the impact of a three-pound horseshoe pitched by either horseshoe player.

Each stake hole 122, 124 is may be formed drilling or boring an aperture through the width of substantially planar panel 104. The diameter D of each stake hole 122, 124 is less than the thickness T of substantially planar panel 104. The diameter D also depends upon the diameter of each backboard stake 118 and 116. For example, if the diameter of backboard stake 116 is 2 inches, the diameter D is substantially about 2 inches.

Stake hole 122 runs from a first opening 226 transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of substantially planar panel 104 through the panel to a second opening 128 (shown in FIG. 1) that is at a bottom edge of substantially planar panel 104. Similarly, stake hole 124 runs from a first opening 228 transversely relative to the panel's longitudinal axis through the panel to a second opening 130 (shown in FIG. 1) located at the bottom edge of substantially planar panel 104. In this manner, stake hole 122 can receive backboard stake 116 to secure substantially planar panel 104 to the horseshoes court and stake hole 124 can receive backboard stake 118 to secure substantially planar panel 104 onto a horseshoes court.

Other means may be used to secure the backboard(s) to the horseshoes court or the stake(s) to the backboard(s) that will still fall into the scope of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of substantially planar panel 104 along line X of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2B, the cross section of horseshoe 112 can be seen. A first leg of horseshoe 112 has cross section 112A while a second leg has cross section 112B. Between cross section 112A and 112 B is the cross section of target stake 114, backboard stake 116 and backboard stake 118, all of which are adjacent.

As can be seen, depth P (FIG. 2B) of horseshoe 112, target stake 114, backboard stake 118 is generally about one-half the thickness T (FIG. 2A) of substantially planar panel 104. Preferably, depth P is such that the article surfaces are substantially flush with the surface 230 of substantially planar panel 104.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of substantially planar panel 104 along line Y of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2C, a cross section of handle 106 is shown in addition to cross sections of target stake 114, backboard stake 116 and backboard stake 118 of FIG. 2B. Here, the cross-section of handle 106 has a length L sized so as to receive the hand of an average adult user. Use and operation of horseshoe set system 100 will now be described.

In use, and in preparation for a horseshoes game, user 102 may begin by storing articles for playing the horseshoes game in substantially planar panel 104. User 102 may initially rotate clips 132A, 132B and 132C in a counter clockwise direction until the clips are no longer over channels 108. As previously noted, alternate embodiments need not employ clips 132A, 132B and 132C, so long as the articles are sufficiently held in place within their respective channels.

Specifically, user 102 begins by rotating clip 132B to a position that exposes the entirety of channel 108A. User 102 next aligns horseshoe 110 with channel 108A and presses down firmly so that horseshoe 110 is securely fitted into channel 108A. Although not shown, clips 132A, 132B and 132C need not be utilized provided the channels are such that the periphery of the articles fit securely within the channels therein.

After horseshoe 110 is securely stored within channel 108A, the user now rotates clip 132C and repeats a similar procedure to store horseshoe 112. Specifically, after ensuring that clip 132C is not over channel 108B, user 102 aligns horseshoe 112 over channel 108B and firmly presses horseshoe 112 to secure said horseshoe firmly within channel 108B. Once horseshoe 112 is stowed, clip 132C is rotated over channel 108B to securely retain horseshoe 112 in place.

Next, user 102 inserts the stakes into their corresponding channels.

Specifically, user 102 aligns target stake 114 with channel 108C and firmly presses down to insert the target stake 114 into channel 108C. Backboard stake 116 is also firmly aligned with channel 108D and inserted into channel 108D.

Similarly, user 102 also aligns and inserts backboard stake 118 into channel 108E. Thereupon, clip 132A is rotated over the stakes to securely retain the stakes in place. At this point, user 102 then grasps handle 106 to carry the articles to a horseshoes court for use.

Upon arrival at the horseshoes court, user 102 begins by removing all of the articles from substantially planar panel 104. Specifically, user 102 removes horseshoes 110 by rotating clip 132B in a clockwise (or counter clockwise) direction until the clip is no longer over channel 108A. Next, user 102 inserts a finger into notch 120B to access the underside of horseshoe 110. Upon pulling horseshoe 110, it is released from substantially planar panel 104. Horseshoes 112 is also released in a similar manner. Horseshoes 110, 112 are then set aside until the beginning of the horseshoes game.

Next, user 102 rotates clip 132A in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction until clip 132A is no longer over channels 108C, 108D and 108E. User 102 then inserts a finger in a notch (not shown) to dislodge target stake 114, backboard stake 116 and backboard stake 118. Once all of the articles are removed, substantially planar panel 104 is ready for use as a backboard as further described with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates substantially planar panel 104 utilized as a backboard according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, user 102 begins by turning substantially planar panel 104 (now empty) so that its backside 103 faces the horseshoes court 340 while front side 101 with its channels 108 (FIG. 1) faces away from horseshoes court 340. Note that in one embodiment, backside 103 has no grooves or channels.

Next, user 102 then aligns backboard stake 116 with stake hole 124 and begins to drive backboard stake 116 through the stake hole onto horseshoes court 340. Backboard stake 116 is continuously driven into horseshoes court 340 until the backboard (i.e., substantially planar panel 104 is stable.

Next, user 102 aligns backboard stake 118 with stake hole 122 and then drives backboard stake 118 through the stake hole into horseshoes court 340 until substantially planar panel 104 is sufficiently stable.

In this manner, the present invention not only allows substantially planar panel 104 to be utilized for carrying all of the articles necessary for the horseshoes game, the present invention further permits substantially planar panel 104 to be used as a backboard to prevent errant horseshoes from injuring spectators, competitors or users or players in the horseshoes game.

Furthermore, the backboard also helps players see the target stake better when tossing the horseshoes at the target stake by creating a better point of focus for the players.

In another embodiment, advertisement can be displayed on the face of substantially planar panel 104. As an example, any sporting goods company (e.g., Sheets) might wish to advertise its products or a logo on the face of substantially planar panel 104. Logos and product information for any companies are examples of advertising that can be displayed on the face of substantially planar panel 104.

Yet, in another embodiment, stake hole 122 and stake hole 124 are unnecessary. Although not shown, here, circular clips might be coupled to corners of either back face 103 or front face 101. Thereafter, such clips would then receive backboard stake 116 and backboard stake 118 before the backboard stakes are driven into the horseshoes court in order to secure the backboard.

Other means within the scope of the invention may be used to secure the backboard to the horseshoe court without deviating from the method of the present invention.

After substantially planar panel 104 is sufficiently stable, user 102 is now ready to proceed with the horseshoes game. User 102 then drives target stake 114 into its appropriate position on horseshoes court 340. The horseshoes game can now proceed. Although not shown, the same procedure is repeated at the other end of the horseshoe court by providing two backboard stakes, a target stake and two horseshoes for the game to proceed. The users can now pitch their horseshoes at both target stake 114 until the game is played to its conclusion.

Upon completion of the game, user 102 dislodges target stake 114, backboard stake 116, and backboard stake 118. The articles, along with horseshoe 110 and horseshoe 112, are now inserted into their corresponding channels 108 for storage and transportation from horseshoes court 340. Specifically, user 102 inserts horseshoe 110 into channel 108A, horseshoe 112 into channel 108B, target stake 114 into channel 108C, backboard stake 116 into channel 108B and backboard stake 118 into channel 108E.

FIG. 4 illustrates horseshoe set system 404 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, user 102 can integrate two substantially planar panels 404A and 404B to form a single carrying case. In this manner, user 102 can receive and store all the articles necessary for a complete horseshoes game.

As shown, substantially planar panel 404A comprises all the features of substantially planar panel 104 described with reference to FIG. 1. Substantially planar panel 404A also includes the plurality of notches 452A, 452B, 456A and 458A.

Substantially planar panel 404B also comprises all of the features of substantially planar panel 104 described with reference to FIG. 1. In addition, substantially planar panel 404B has a plurality of tabs 452B, 454B, 456B and 458B.

Upon storing articles for the horseshoes game, user 102 can integrate substantially planar panels 404A and 404B. Specifically, both panels are symmetrically aligned so that notch 454A corresponds to tab 454B, and that notch 452A and tab 452B are aligned, notch 454A and tab 454B are aligned, notch 456A and tab 456B are aligned and notch 458A and tab 458B are aligned.

Once the notches and the corresponding tabs are aligned, firm pressure is applied to substantially planar panel 404B so that the tabs on substantially planar panel 404B are inserted into the corresponding tabs on substantially planar panel 404A.

After both panels are integrated, user 102 can then grasp both the single handle comprising handle 106A and handle 106B which are now firmly integrated. User 102 can, therefore, carry and transport the articles to and from the horseshoes game. Note that the present embodiment allows two different panels to be integrated into a single panel.

Therefore, the present embodiment allows storage and transportation of additional articles for playing the horseshoes game. Specifically, the present embodiment permits the transportation of two target stakes, four backboard stakes and four horseshoes as illustrated. One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the tabs and notches used to integrate both panels are only exemplary and that other attachment means can be utilized.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 associated with articles for playing a horseshoes game according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

At block 502, method 500 comprises providing substantially planar panel 104 which is itself usable as a backboard for a horseshoes game. Here, the backboard prevents an errant horseshoe from bounding off a horseshoes court. Furthermore, the backboard also helps players see the target stake better when tossing the horseshoes at the target stake by creating a better point of focus for the players. Here, note that the backboard can be any desirable size and shape but is preferably substantially rectangular and the size is made to conform to the requirements of the National Horseshoe Pitching Association tournament rules.

At block 504, method 500 involves forming one or more channels on the face of substantially planar panel 104. The channels can be formed by molding, etching or carving out a material portion of substantially planar panel 104 into the shape of corresponding articles that are stored in substantially planar panel 104.

At block 506, method 500 involves forming one or more stake holes through substantially planar panel 104. Stake holes can be formed by boring, drilling or forming or any other comparable means consistent with the scope and spirit of the present invention.

At block 508, once the stake holes are formed, the stake holes are used to receive one or more backboard stakes in order to secure substantially planar panel 104 onto a horseshoes court for use as a backboard.

At block 510, user 102 can use one or more of the channels to receive and store the articles for playing the horseshoes game.

At block 512, user 102 can then use substantially planar panel 104 to transport the articles that are stored bearing to and from the horseshoes game.

FIG. 6 illustrates substantially planar panel 104 of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 6, advertising namely “ENJOY RANDOM REWARD” 602 is displayed on the face of substantially planar panel 104. A message “ADVERTISE HERE” 604 indicating that advertising space is available on substantially planar panel 104 is shown. Although not shown, the advertising can be placed on both faces of substantially planar board 104.

The typography and layout of ENJOY RANDOM REWARD 602 can be varied but would depend upon the client for whom the advertising is placed. As an example, the lettering may be scripted using any well-known font. The lettering material for ENJOY RANDOM REWARD 602 can be vinyl or any other materials that are preferably bold and vibrant. Paper, aluminum or even light emitting diodes may be used. In this manner, advertising on substantially planar panel 104 can create awareness of products and/or services among fans and spectators that are watching the horseshoes game and even among players that are participating in the horseshoes game.

While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for a horseshoes game, said apparatus comprising: a substantially planar board, wherein when positioned such that its plane runs along a vertical axis, the substantially planar board is usable as a backboard for playing a horseshoes game, wherein the backboard prevents an errant horseshoe from bounding off a horseshoes court; one or more horseshoes and one or more target stakes; and one or more channels on a face of the substantially planar board, wherein the one or more channels receive and store the one or more horse shoes and the one or more target stakes for playing the horseshoes game.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a grasping means for using the substantially planar board to transport the one or more horseshoes and the one or more target stakes stored therein to and from the horseshoes game.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the grasping means is a handle.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more channels are configured to receive and store at least one backboard stake for securing the backboard to a horseshoes court.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second substantially planar board.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein when the second substantially planar board is positioned along a vertical axis, the second substantially planar board is usable as a backboard for playing the horseshoes game.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the second substantially planar board comprises one or more channels on a face of the second substantially planar board, wherein the one or more channels of the second substantially planar board receive and store articles for playing the horseshoes game; and a handle for using the second substantially planar board to transport the articles stored therein to and from the horseshoes game.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the substantially planar board and the second substantially planar board are symmetric.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the substantially planar board and the second substantially planar board are attachable to each other to form a single carrying case.
 10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the channels of the substantially planar board receive two horseshoes, one target stake and two backboard stakes.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the channels of the second substantially planar board receive two horseshoes, one target stake and two backboard stakes.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising advertising displayed on a face of the substantially planar board.
 13. A system comprising: one or more horseshoes; one or more target stakes; one or more backboard stakes; a substantially planar panel, wherein when positioned along a vertical axis, the substantially planar panel is usable as a backboard for playing a horseshoes game, wherein the backboard prevents an errant horseshoe from bounding off a horseshoes court; one or more stake holes in the substantially planar panel, wherein the one or more stake holes run from a first opening at a top edge of said substantially planar panel to a second opening at a bottom edge of said substantially planar panel, wherein the one or more stake holes receive the one or more backboard stakes to secure the substantially planar panel for use as a backboard; and one or more channels on a face of the substantially planar panel, wherein the one or more channels receive and store the one or more horseshoes, the one or more target stakes, and the one or more backboard stakes; and a grasping means for using the substantially planar panel to transport the articles stored therein to and from the horseshoes game.
 14. A method of carrying articles for a horseshoes game, wherein the articles include one or more horseshoes, one or more target stakes, one or more backboard stakes and a substantially planar panel, said method comprising: forming a plurality of stake holes running vertically through the substantially planar panel when said substantially planar panel is placed upright for use as a backboard, wherein the plurality of stake holes receives the one or more backboard stakes to secure the backboard to a horseshoes court; adapting the backboard to receive for storage the one or more horseshoes, the one or more target stakes and the one or more backboard stakes; and forming a handle for the backboard to transport the one or more horseshoes, the one or more target stakes and the one or more backboard stakes to and from the horseshoes game.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the backboard is adapted by forming a plurality of grooves on a face of the backboard, wherein the plurality of grooves receive the one or more horseshoes, the one or more target stakes and the one or more backboard stakes.
 16. A method associated with a game of horseshoes, said method comprising: adapting a substantially rectangular board for use as a backboard, the backboard for preventing an errant horseshoe from bounding off a horseshoes court; forming one or more channels on a face of the substantially rectangular board; using the one or more channels to receive and store articles for playing the horseshoes game; and using the substantially rectangular board to transport the articles stored therein to and from the horseshoes game.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the substantially rectangular board is adapted by: forming one or more stake holes through the substantially rectangular board; using the one or more stake holes to receive one or more backboard stakes, wherein the backboard stakes secure the substantially rectangular board onto a horseshoes court for use as a backboard.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein said stored articles include at least one backboard stake, at least one horseshoe and at least one target stake.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the one or more channels are horse-shoe shaped.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the one or more channels are substantially linear.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising displaying advertising on a face of the substantially planar board. 